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I trust and pray all is well with you and yours. As I listen to the voices within our community, I hear echoes of conversations from years past—conversations filled with longing for the presence of spiritual fathers and mothers, voices of seasoned wisdom, guidance, and stability.
It is as if we find ourselves again at a juncture where the Church, feeling the weight of contemporary culture’s shifting landscape, reaches out, asking, “Where are the fathers? Where are the mothers?”
This is more than a question of leadership; it is a deep yearning for the wisdom of those who have journeyed through life with Christ, the elders in the Scriptural sense—those who, by grace and experience, have something essential to offer.
The wisdom we seek does not come cheaply or instantly. It is born, as the writer of Hebrews reminds us, of “learning obedience through suffering” (Hebrews 5:8). Whether we realize it fully or not, wisdom grows in the soil of difficulty, cultivated through faithfulness in times of testing. Those who have walked this path carry within them a kind of spiritual depth that cannot be taught in a classroom but only through the refining fires of lived experience with God. They understand, perhaps in a way that only time and trial can teach, what it means to lean wholly on the Lord.
Though the language may differ, the tradition of spiritual direction—a practice rooted in ancient Christianity—speaks directly to this need. In our Pentecostal traditions, we may not always use the term "spiritual direction," yet we are no strangers to its essence. We recognize the value of godly mentorship, of learning under those whose lives reflect the wisdom and presence of God. This guidance is not only about imparting knowledge; it is about walking alongside, listening deeply, and calling forth the unique way God is shaping each soul.
The encounter on the road to Emmaus offers the stellar example of spiritual direction from the One who is indeed the Wonderful Counselor. In this story, we see Jesus joining two disheartened disciples as they walk away from Jerusalem, bewildered and grieving. Without immediately revealing his identity, he listens to them, drawing out their sorrow and confusion, patiently allowing them to express their struggle. He meets them exactly where they are, physically and spiritually, embodying the essence of spiritual direction as a ministry of presence, compassion, and deep listening.
Jesus doesn’t simply offer answers; he opens their eyes to the truth by guiding them through the Scriptures, illuminating the greater story at work behind their pain. He gradually leads them to a place of revelation, where they recognize him in the breaking of bread—a moment in which their hearts burn with understanding and clarity. This progression, from sorrow to insight, from confusion to recognition, reflects the ultimate goal of spiritual direction: to accompany others on the journey to deeper communion with God, helping them see how He is present and active in their lives.
Though we may not always use the language of “spiritual direction” in our Pentecostal traditions, the Emmaus road account reveals the spirit of godly mentorship we hold dear. It shows us that true guidance is not only about conveying knowledge but about journeying alongside others, helping them to recognize the unique way God is shaping their souls. This example of Jesus walking alongside the disciples reminds us that spiritual direction is a call to relational ministry, a compassionate presence that seeks to illuminate God’s work in each life.
Now more than ever, as our culture presents new and complex challenges, there is a need for such elders—those willing to stand as spiritual fathers and mothers, whose hearts are open, whose counsel is shaped by the Spirit, and whose lives testify to the transformative power of obedience to God’s voice. This is a call to all of us: to both seek out and become vessels of this wisdom, so that we, as the body of Christ, may walk with maturity, humility, and purpose in these challenging days.
This need speaks to the essence of spiritual direction, which is an interpersonal relationship where one person, a director, accompanies another on the journey of faith. Its form is a conversation around the events and concerns of the directee’s life and prayer, focusing on the leading of the Spirit and the directee’s openness, awareness, and response to the mystery of God’s presence and action in their life. In some traditions, we call this person a companion, spiritual friend, soul friend, or midwife of the new person in God. In the Orthodox tradition, they are known as a spiritual father or mother.
At this juncture in the life of the Church, the role of such spiritual guidance is indispensable. The wisdom of elders—those who have journeyed long and endured suffering with faithfulness—carries a depth that words alone cannot teach. It provides a relational anchor, a steadying presence that calls us back to a life attuned to God’s Spirit and formed by His hand. Spiritual fathers and mothers do more than share knowledge; they shape hearts, challenge perspectives, and walk alongside us as we learn obedience and faith through life’s valleys and peaks. I contend that at this juncture in history, we need this kind of soul-to-soul investment. It is a call for all of us to seek and to become these wise guides, ensuring the next generation is equipped not only with knowledge but with lives deeply rooted in the presence and purposes of God.
Corita Clark[1] offers valuable insights on the practice of spiritual direction, deeply rooted in Christian history. She describes spiritual direction as modeled by Jesus himself in his walk with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. There, Jesus led them not by force but by conversation, guiding them into the mysteries of his presence and the meaning of the paschal mystery (Luke 24:13–35). This is the essence of spiritual direction as Clark sees it: a journey shared; a presence that helps another perceive God’s active work in their lives.
Clark traces this practice back to the early monks and the Desert Fathers and Mothers, such as St. Anthony of Egypt and Cassian, whose lives of prayer offered a path for those desiring greater closeness with God. Their approach laid the foundation for spiritual companionship, a legacy preserved in the Celtic tradition of the Anam Chara, or “soul friend.” Clark rightly highlights this as a core element of spiritual life for both the monastic and lay communities, where the Church embraced the wisdom and stability that comes from intentional faith-filled companionship.
According to Clark, this practice matured with the rise of the great religious orders from the thirteenth century onward, notably through figures like Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and Ignatius of Loyola. Each brought profound wisdom through teachings grounded in prayer, discernment, and a deep encounter with God. Ignatius’s Spiritual Exercises formalized a process of retreat and one-on-one direction, extending this companionship across social lines and grounding spiritual direction in a deeply personal encounter with God.
Today, Clark observes a renewed interest in spiritual direction as people navigate the complexities and uncertainties of modern life. Many are drawn to the stability of a spiritual director, whom Clark describes as one embodying empathy, wisdom, and a contemplative spirit. She emphasizes that such a director is not only prayerful but also equipped to listen, to journey alongside others, and to discern the Spirit’s leading together.
Clark rightly underscores that the Spirit remains the true source of guidance within this relationship. Together, director and directee “stand on holy ground,” seeking to listen to God’s voice and move toward deeper faith, freedom, and love. This sacred privilege invites directees to make life-giving decisions, to recognize divine grace, and to pursue a fuller, God-centered life.
In honoring Clark’s insights, we recognize the continued importance of spiritual direction within the Church today. Spiritual Directors International, as Clark notes, supports directors by offering resources and formation, underscoring the growth of this ministry across Christian traditions. As Paul reminds us, “And we, with our unveiled faces reflecting like mirrors the brightness of the Lord, all grow brighter and brighter as we are turned into the image that we reflect; this is the work of the Lord who is Spirit” (2 Cor 3:18). Clark’s contributions call us to value spiritual direction as a vital practice, shaping lives that reflect God’s presence more fully.
As we turn to Donald K. McKim's definition of spiritual direction, he describes it as the intentional orientation of one’s Christian life toward deeper communion with God and discerning ways of living that align with His desires[2]. McKim emphasizes that this journey is often facilitated through the presence of another, typically a "spiritual director" or "spiritual mentor." This role is not merely a formality; it embodies the elemental need for companionship in the pursuit of authentic faith, where guidance helps us navigate the complexities of aligning our lives with God’s will.
The role of the spiritual director, as McKim highlights, is that of a guide, confidant, and often confessor—one who offers more than just counsel but who actively nurtures the directee’s faith. McKim's view, which emphasizes both theological grounding and sensitivity, resonates with the timeless image of a spiritual director as someone mature in faith, who deeply understands Christian belief and possesses the discernment to handle the intricacies of a person's spiritual journey with wisdom and care. This is far from a generic mentorship; it is a role steeped in reverence for both God’s work in the individual’s life and the trust the directee places in the director.
Spiritual direction, therefore, is a sacred relationship, deeply interpersonal and preeminently Christ-centered. It is not about instruction alone but rather fostering an environment where a directee can become more attuned to the Spirit’s leading. The director, acting with the humility of a servant and the insight of a teacher, provides a steady presence—helping the directee recognize God’s voice in ways they might otherwise miss. The goal here, as McKim rightly frames it, is to enhance the directee’s experience of Christian faith, supporting their growth in ways that cultivate depth, discernment, and an enduring commitment to God’s ways.
In honoring McKim's insights, we are reminded that spiritual direction is both an art and a ministry, requiring theological depth, empathetic insight, and an unwavering dedication to the Spirit’s work within the life of another. This conscious orientation toward God, facilitated by the wise guidance of a seasoned director, creates a path of spiritual companionship where faith matures and the call to live according to God's will is made clearer.
Spiritual direction, as Daniel Burke and John Bartunek remind us, is ultimately a relationship between three persons: the Holy Spirit, the director, and the directee[3]. This trinitarian structure reminds us that, while the director serves as a guide and confidant, the true “director” in this journey is the Spirit, who illuminates the path toward God. This framework highlights the relationship’s sacred nature, where both the director and directee remain attuned to the Spirit’s leading, conscious that they are participants in God’s work.
The central focus of spiritual direction, as Burke and Bartunek emphasize, is union with God—a journey that helps the directee grow purposefully, consistently, and substantively in their relationship with God and others. This journey is about more than personal insight; it calls the directee into a love that encompasses all areas of life, fulfilling Jesus' command to love God wholly and our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30–31). Spiritual direction thus becomes a way of embracing God’s will through prayer and virtue, ultimately leading to a transformed life marked by a love that overflows into every relationship and endeavor.
In light of all this, we see that spiritual direction is more than a role; it is a sacred calling for those equipped to guide others toward deeper communion with God. To those among us who are leaders—those who feel the weight of shepherding and long to see their community grow in the ways of Christ—this is an invitation to become, as Burke and Bartunek suggest, a partner with the Holy Spirit. You are invited to embody the qualities we see in spiritual directors: patience, humility, empathy, and a commitment to walking alongside others as they discover God’s presence in their lives.
This calling requires spiritual maturity, a grounded knowledge of Scripture and tradition, and a readiness to act as a co-listener for God’s voice. As Paul urged Timothy, "Do not neglect the gift you have" (1 Timothy 4:14)—and for some, that gift may include offering guidance that brings others closer to God. Leaders are called to nurture these qualities, cultivating lives that can serve as examples and stable anchors for those in search of spiritual companionship.
For those in our community who feel the need for guidance—a longing to walk more closely with God but unsure where to begin—this is an invitation to seek the support of a spiritual director or mentor. Just as the disciples on the road to Emmaus needed Jesus’ presence to recognize the truth, each of us needs someone to help us discern the Spirit’s leading in our lives. Spiritual direction provides a safe space to explore life’s questions, deepen your relationship with God, and pursue a life marked by His love. It offers a way to clarify and confirm the movements of God in your heart and to grow in alignment with His will.
To both leaders and seekers, the journey of spiritual direction is a profound opportunity. It reminds us that the path to deeper faith is rarely walked alone, and that God often speaks through others. Whether you feel the call to lead or the need to seek guidance, remember that the aim of spiritual direction is to strengthen our love for God and neighbor—a love that, as Jesus taught, transforms all it touches.
This is not a solo endeavor but a collective journey in the body of Christ. Together, as we pursue lives of faithful listening, prayer, and love, we create a community where each member grows in purpose, peace, and the fullness of life in God.
In closing, I want to extend a personal invitation to those who feel drawn to the path of spiritual direction on a more individualized level. As you may know, my background includes nearly five decades as a pastor, a Board Certified Coach with over 30,000 hours of global client experience, a master’s degree in psychology, and two doctoral degrees in theology. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding individuals through spiritual direction, helping them discern God’s presence and direction in their lives.
If you sense a need for one-on-one spiritual guidance—a space to explore, question, and deepen your walk with God—I would be honored to journey with you. We can discuss flexible fee scales to make this accessible. Spiritual direction is a deeply personal and sacred path, and it’s my hope to provide an environment where you can grow in faith, find clarity, and experience God’s transforming love in a way that resonates with your life.
If you’re interested in exploring either of these options, please feel free to respond to this email. Together, let’s pursue a faith that is rich, rooted, and responsive to the Spirit’s gentle leading.
Mark Chironna
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